By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-910205.mp3
Buffalo, NY – U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is hoping the FAA reauthorization bill will be taken up by the Senate this week.
Schumer said hat bill contains all of the "good input" from Flight 3407 families who lost loved ones in last year's deadly crash in Clarence. But it is due to expire on July 4.
"I'm hopeful we can get it passed before July 4," said Schumer.
Senator Schumer wants the Senate to approve the House version of the bill. It would increase pilot training to 1,500.
"The only stumbling block, and it has nothing to do with what happened with 3407 or passenger safety, but rather, should Fedex employ be allowed to unionize," said Schumer.
But the Senator does not believe it would hold up passage of the bill.
The NTSB investigation concluded that pilot error caused the deadly crash. Two Flight 3407 widows noted that President Obama gave his pledge to the families while in Buffalo in May that the bill would be passed. Robin Tolsma and Jennifer West say they blame Colgan, Continental, and Bombardier for killing their husbands.
Senator Schumer says there must be corporate responsibility.
"Everyone has responsibilities...corporation have certain responsibilities for the people that work for them and the country," noted Schumer.
The Flight 3407 widows say with the July 4th holiday approaching this Sunday, they are remaining hopeful the House and Senate will come together on the bill and represent the very people who elected them into office, by insuring their safety when flying on a regional airline.